Attendees can expect an expansion of programming at the second annual Cottonwood Comic Book Show on Saturday, Oct. 29, in Cottonwood’s Cornerstone Church.
“The show has doubled in size from the first year,” local comic book artist and event organizer Dave Beaty said, adding that there will be three guests of honor and approximately 20 vendors at the event. “There’s a more diverse group of writers and artists to interact with compared to last year — all the stuff people loved from last year, just more of it.”
“The guests of honor are especially exciting because of the caliber of work between the three of them,” local comic book creator and event organizer Jan Marc “The Janimal” Quisumbing said
“[There’s] Stephen Reid, veteran animator on ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ and ‘Space Jam,’ Michael Gallagher, writer on ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ for Marvel Comics and Brian Augustyn, writer of my favorite Batman story, ‘Gotham By Gaslight.’”
In addition, the event will host numerous local comic book artists, podcasters and authors. Panels will include a table-top gaming panel, a sketch-off and one featuring the guests of honor. Attendees are invited to come in costume. Proceeds from the event, which is co-hosted by the Northern Arizona Cartoonist Association, will benefit the Cornerstone Church youth group.
“One of the Northern Arizona Cartoonist Association’s goals is to encourage the creation of art and emphasize the importance of literacy in the communities we serve,” Beaty said. “This show helps to accomplish those two very important goals …. I know from personal experience that events like this encourage children and adults to pursue
their dreams.”
“Time and time again, when people find out about our events, they’re shocked to hear about them,” Quisumbing added. “Even more so, they’re shocked to find out that right in their own backyard there are comic book artists and writers. The workshops I do help reinforce that love of art and not let that talent wither on the vine.”
This time around, the creators are making use of a larger space, allowing Quisumbing to plan for a more inclusive vibe, similar to the shows he attended when he was younger.
“I’m in the middle of working on the floor plan right now, and it’s going to feel like the shows I used to go to back in New Jersey in the early 1990s. Everyone will be together so attendees won’t miss anyone.”
Admission to the event is $5 at the door. Children 10 years old and under are free. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
